Nicky Hayden's second wrist operation is likely to spur further speculation about his future, but speaking just before heading for sur𓄧gery the former world champion was adamant that heꦚ will remain in MotoGP with the Drive M7 Aspar team next season.

"Some of the press have just been starting rumours and it's gotten to be a bit comical and there's no truth with me going t🦋o World Superbikes," Hayden said at the Sachsenring.

"A few races ago I had to dispel the rumour t🔯▨hat I was retiring [because of his wrist] and now it's the rumour about going to Superbikes, but it's never been discussed.

"I've a two-year dea🐠l with Aspar ✅and - like I've said many times before - I like this team, we've got good sponsors and next year we're supposed to be getting an upgraded bike from Honda.

"I don't🐼 know how to say it more clearly, but this is a two-year contract and my plan is to stay here and we haven't spok𓄧en of anything different."

Next year's Open c🥂lass Honda is expected to feaꦚture pneumatic valves to help address its present lack of engine performance.

Hayden, who poste🎐d the following image on Twitter this morning, has until August 8-10 to regain fitness for his second a🧜nd final home US event of the year, at Indianapolis.